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AIRF RCE June 1, 2017 News17 SGT John Oppelaar removes masking tape from the F-111. Photos: SGT Kirk Peacock Shelter from the elements FLTLT Stephanie Anderson THE F-111 (A8-138) on display at the main gate to RAAF Base Amberley is currently undergoing enhanced weather-proofing by members of the Directorate of Air Force Heritage – Static Display Aircraft Support Section (SDASS). The aircraft has been on display since 2016 and this maintenance activity will further protect it from deterioration. OIC SDASS SQNLDR Stephen Currie said even though the aircraft is under a specially-made canopy, further work is needed to arrest deterioration and ensure the ongoing integrity of the aircraft. “The existing canopy provides some protection, but we have diverse weather in Amberley, including storms and at times extreme heat, which all contribute to the aircraft deteriorating,” he said. “The SDASS team’s charter is to ensure the longevity of the Static Display Aircraft (SDA). To achieve this, SDASS have developed a weather-proofing package that should address the issues of water ingress, and bird and other pest infestation that may occur with the display of the aircraft.” The original refurbishment for display was tailored for an indoor environment, and placing the aircraft outside has made it vulnerable to wind erosion, infestation by birds and insects, and water damage. Amberley’s F-111 will have the STATIC DISPLAY AIRCRAFT SUPPORT SECTION A program of work to improve the appearance of the ‘gate guard’ fleet now referred to as Static Display Aircraft (SDA), is undertaken by the SDA Support Section (SDASS). The work of the SDASS had its ori- gins in 2010 when the RAAF Heritage Advisory Council agreed to trial a concept for the refurbishment of the RAAF Wagga SDA by using a combined Reserve and contractor workforce. The trial resulted in the council deciding to establish an in-house capability within the Directorate of Air Force Heritage and based at RAAF Amberley. The SDASS consist of reservists Avionics technician SGT Henry Taylor removes excess sealant. airframe joints resealed, intakes and exhausts blanked, a bird-net fitted to the undercarriage, covers fitted to the swing-wing side seals and the entire aircraft will be subject to paint touchups. The problems with SDA differ from operational aircraft which are constantly under maintenance and care; SDA are left to endure the elements with minimal regular maintenance. SDASS members regularly travel to bases with display aircraft, identifying and problem-solving issues that arise with ageing airframes. They also need to be aware of the WHS implications of their work; most of these aircraft were built using potentially hazardous materials which can require significant research to establish the safest manner to deal with the hazards. “The SDASS team comprises former RAAF senior aircraft technicians and logistic personnel who bring a vast array of experience and expertise to the complex maintenance of more than 60 display aircraft. Maintaining SDA requires the team to think laterally,” SQNLDR Currie said “They don’t always have access to comprehensive workshops, and this means they need adopt innovative solutions to address the issues they find; the members of my team excel in this regard.” whose technical skills have enhanced the appearance of static aircraft on public display at the entrance to RAAF bases. The SDA fleet comprises all complete aircraft on static display at RAAF bases, excluding those used as training aids or preserved in the RAAF Museum as part of the RAAF Heritage Collection. Over the past five years, the SDASS has refurbished 11 SDAs. In 2012 the team repainted an Iroquois at Amberley and spent several months refurbishing a Neptune maritime patrol aircraft at RAAF Base Townsville using parts from two ageing airframes. In 2013 the team prepared and repainted another Canberra bomber at Amberley and refurbished two Bloodhound missiles, one Mirage fighter and a Mirage tail fin at RAAF Base Darwin. In 2014 the team relocated Macchi aircraft in Edinburgh, Wagga and East Sale and conducted baseline assessments of the SDA fleet and repairs at several locations. In 2016, the SDASS received a CAF Group Commendation for its work. YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD You’re never too old to learn skills of a past era in aviation manufacturing and maintenance as a team of AF reservists and volunteers from the RAAF Base Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the Static Display Aircraft Support Section found out recently. “Over three days, 12 personnel undertook instruction on the Stewart System which is considered to be the latest in waterborne technology for the aerospace industry using nontoxic water based products in applying synthetic aircraft fabric to aircraft,” Heritage Centre OIC WGCDR Clive Wells said. Within the restoration workshop three warbirds of old; a Sopwith Camel, an Avro Anson, and a Winjeel are undergoing restoration for static display with each of them requiring fabric to be attached to all, or particular, surfaces on the airframes. These new skills will enable staff to ensure Air Force’s static aircraft collection is maintained to a high standard for future generations. LAC Andrew O’Grady volunteers at the RAAF Base Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre workshop. Photo: supplied